(Economic Development) Global economic growth will slow to 2.6 per cent in 2025, down from 2.9 per cent in 2024, as global trade and investment face growing pressure from financial volatility and geopolitical uncertainty, according to a new report by the UN Trade and Development body (UNCTAD). Shifts in financial markets now move global trade almost as strongly as actual economic activity, shaping prospects for developing countries in particular. “Trade is not just a chain of suppliers. It is also a chain of credit lines, payment systems, currency markets and capital flows,” said Rebeca Grynspan, UNCTAD Secretary-General. – World News in Brief: Global economy ‘on the brink’, ending slavery, Latin America jobs update | UN News
(Human Rights – Israel/Palestine) The President of the UN General Assembly called on Tuesday for greater action to uphold the rights of the Palestinian people and a two-State solution with Israel. Annalena Baerbock was speaking at an Assembly plenary meeting where countries debated a resolution that affirms the UN’s responsibility for the question of Palestine. “For 78 years the Palestinian people have been denied their inalienable rights – in particular, their right to self-determination,” she said. “Now, it is high time that we take decisive action to end this decades-long stalemate.” – ‘Decisive action’ needed to end Israel-Palestine stalemate | UN News
(Humanitarian Aid – Ukraine) As Ukraine enters its fourth winter under full-scale invasion, millions of civilians face renewed hardship from relentless attacks, widespread power outages and freezing temperatures that are straining an already exhausted population. Ongoing strikes on energy infrastructure have left entire communities uncertain whether they will have heat, electricity and clean water in the months ahead, while fresh displacement continues along active frontlines. Humanitarian agencies warn that this winter could be one of the most difficult yet, as intensified bombardment, worsening access constraints and growing funding gaps threaten to leave hundreds of thousands without adequate support. At the same time, the psychological toll of nearly five years of conflict is becoming ever more visible across the country. In an in-depth interview on Monday with Nargiz Shekinskaya of UN News, Matthias Schmale, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine, describes the mounting winter risks, the deepening vulnerability of civilians, the funding shortfall facing the relief response and the resilience he continues to witness every day, in communities living under fire. He started by describing the humanitarian situation and the most pressing concerns. – Cold, displaced and in darkness, Ukrainian civilians brace for another winter of war | | UN News
(Humanitarian Aid – Mozambique) “They live in community shelters, they live in classrooms which are overcrowded,” the UN refugee agency’s (UNHCR) representative in Mozambique said on Tuesday, highlighting the plight of thousands searching for safety. The agency reports that close to 100,000 have been newly displaced in the past two weeks alone, following intensified attacks on villages and a rapid spillover of violence into previously safe districts. Speaking from conflict-ridden Erati in northern Mozambique, Xavier Creach expressed concern over the attacks and inability to sufficiently respond. “These simultaneous attacks in several districts are generating a huge challenge for humanitarian actors who have to multiply emergency response in different zones of the country,” he said. “Regretfully, we lack resources,” he added. – Mozambique: ‘Civilians were killed, some were even beheaded’ | UN News
(Peace and Security – Iraq) The recent parliamentary elections in Iraq mark a fitting end to the work of the UN Mission in the country, the Security Council heard on Tuesday. The Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Iraq, Mohammed Al Hassan, briefed members for the last time as the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) prepares to conclude its mandate on 31 December after more than two decades of service. “Today, indeed, is a great day for the international community and the United Nations to witness an honourable and dignified closure of a UN mission,” he said. – Iraq: UN mission ends, with pledge of continued support | UN News
(Economic Development – Artificial Intelligence – Asia) Millions of jobs across Asia could be at risk as the AI industry booms at the expense of poorer nations still struggling to provide basic digital access and literacy, UN economists said on Tuesday. Just as industrialisation in the 19th century “split the world into a wealthy few and the impoverished”, the AI revolution could do the same. “Countries that invest in skills, computing power and sound governance systems will benefit, others risk being left far behind,” warned Philip Schellekens, Chief Economist for the UN Development Programme for the Asia and Pacific region. – Millions of jobs at risk in Asia-Pacific as AI adoption surges in wealthy nations | UN News
(Climate and Environment – Asia) Across southeast Asia, record-breaking rains and flooding caused by back-to-back tropical storms have claimed hundreds of lives and brought devastation and displacement upon entire communities, UN agencies said on Tuesday. World Meteorological Organization (WMO) spokesperson Clare Nullis told reporters in Geneva that Indonesia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Viet Nam are among the countries most affected by what she described as “a combination of monsoon-related rainfall and tropical cyclone activity”. UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his deep sadness over the tragic loss of life across the region. In a statement released by his Spokesperson he conveyed condolences to the families of the victims and expresses his solidarity with all those impacted. – Asia: Lives upended by cyclones, ‘extreme’ rainfall on the rise, warn UN agencies | UN News
